Hemorrhoids

The Basics

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, refer to swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They appear similar to varicose veins; however, they are more likely to bleed. There are two major types of internal and external hemorrhoids. They refer to the same condition, except they differ in location.

Internal hemorrhoids, as the name suggests, develop inside the rectum (mostly in the lower rectum). External hemorrhoids on the other hand are present under the skin around the anus. This difference in location causes the symptoms to vary for these two diseases.

Nearly 3 out of 4 people in the U.S. have had hemorrhoids at least one point of their life. Most people have asymptomatic hemorrhoids (no symptoms), and they often resolve on their own. However, it can be an extremely painful condition for some people and need prompt treatment. Fortunately, we have effective therapies available for the management of hemorrhoids.

Common Symptoms

As we mentioned above, the type (location) of the hemorrhoids determines the symptoms.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are present under the skin around your anus. Like the rest of your skin, this area is sensitive to pain and touch. Symptoms include itching or irritation in the anal region, pain or discomfort (pain can be severe at times depending on the severity of hemorrhoids), swelling around the anus, and bleeding.

A severe complication of external hemorrhoids is thrombosed hemorrhoids, which simply means the formation of a clot. This is the result is severe pain, inflammation, and feeling a hard lump near the anus.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids lie inside your digestive tract, i.e., in the rectum. Interestingly, our digestive tract does not send pain stimuli as our skin does. So, these hemorrhoids are not felt, i.e., they don’t cause discomfort or pain.

In most cases, you will see bright red color when you pass stool and painless bleeding during your bowel movements. In some severe untreated cases, hemorrhoids can push down through the anal opening resulting in pain and discomfort. This is often called a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Causes and Risk Factors

In most cases, the cause of hemorrhoid development is the stretching of the veins or venous plexus due to pressure. The veins eventually bulge and swell becoming hemorrhoids. This pressure often builds up due to repeated straining during a bowel movement (constipation), sitting on the toilet for a long period of time. Some causes that you should be aware of are being pregnant, being obese, having anal intercourse, and having chronic diarrhea or constipation.

Some other risk factors that are associated with hemorrhoids are aging, regular heavy lifting, and eating a low-fiber diet. As you age, the supporting tissues in your rectum become weak. A low-fiber diet can cause prolonged constipation.

When to See a Doctor for Hemorrhoids

If you or anyone close to you are experiencing persistent bleeding during bowel movements or have hemorrhoids that aren’t going away with home care, you should contact the doctor.

Rectal bleeding can also be caused by other serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, so make sure you get it checked out. In case you or someone that you know needs expert care and therapy, call us today at (718) 291-0488 or book your appointment. Our clinic is situated within New York in Jamaica Plains and is ready to serve all areas in its proximity.